KPA upgradation issue: SKK temporarily calls off agitation

Morung Express News
Zunheboto | March 12

The All Sumi Students’ Union (SKK) has temporarily called off its ongoing agitation demanding the immediate upgradation of Khelhoshe Polytechnic Atoizu (KPA) into a full-fledged engineering degree college.

In a statement issued on the evening of March 11, the union informed that the stir was temporarily suspended following the receipt of a letter from the Director, Directorate of Technical Education (DTE), on March 11, inviting the SKK for a consultative meeting with all stakeholders to hold constructive dialogue and find a “path forward for the welfare and future of the technical students’ community in Nagaland.”

Accordingly, while provisionally calling off its protest, the SKK acknowledged the participation of various organisations and individuals and requested the general public to extend continuous support in various capacities until the goal is achieved.

In the March 11 letter, the DTE Director invited the union for the meeting.

“In good faith, we respect and accept your invitation to temporarily call off our protest till 17th March 2025. We appreciate your initiative and willingness to engage in a dialogue, and we are willing to work together to find a solution that benefits the student community,” the SKK stated in its reply.

The union, however, reiterated its demand for the upgradation of KPA as outlined in its ultimatum dated February 18, 2025.

“We stand by our demand, respecting KPA’s status as the oldest polytechnic in Nagaland, and believing that its upgradation is essential for providing better opportunities and facilities to the students,” it added.

The SKK also expressed hope that the meeting would yield concrete results and a clear roadmap for the upgradation of KPA.

However, the SKK asserted that its demands and agitation would continue if no concrete solution is reached.

“Our temporary withdrawal of protest is not a withdrawal of our demand but rather a demonstration of our willingness to engage in dialogue and find a mutually beneficial solution,” it added.

Earlier on Tuesday, the SKK observed the fourth day of its agitation by shutting down all government offices in Zunheboto Town.

Union officials and volunteers were also stationed at different locations to monitor government vehicle movements throughout the town on March 11.

On March 7, the SKK commenced its current agitation for the KPA upgradation with a silent protest outside the Assembly while the Sixth Session of the 14th Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA) was in progress.

The next day, apart from the NLA, the Directorate of Technical Education in Kohima was also the site of the agitation.

On the third day on March 10, a mass protest rally was held in Zunheboto Town with the participation of various stakeholders and the general public.

Intensifying its stir, SKK had declared that all government offices within Zunheboto Town would be shut down and the movement of government vehicles restricted from March 11, a move that remained in effect until the temporary suspension on Tuesday evening.

The SKK, along with other stakeholders, has consistently maintained that the State Cabinet, during its meeting on December 17, 2007, had already approved the upgradation of KPA into an engineering college.

Accordingly, they are demanding the urgent implementation of the reported government decision.

Deputy Speaker meets stakeholders
Meanwhile, Deputy Speaker Toiho Yeptho convened a high-level meeting with key stakeholders to discuss prolonged issues concerning KPA on March 11.

Representatives from the SKK, Sümi Hoho, Sümi Kukami Hoho, Sümi Youth Organisation, KPA Principal, and prominent public leaders of Asukhuto attended the meeting, informed a press release from the Deputy Speaker’s office.

The primary objective of the meeting was to foster constructive dialogue, address pressing concerns, and explore pragmatic solutions to ensure the sustainable growth and development of the institution, which has faced unresolved challenges for the past 18 years, it added.

At the meeting, SKK President Gihuka Zhimomi and Sümi Hoho President Dr Vihuto T Asumi reiterated that the issue concerns the entire Naga society.

Zhimomi clarified that there was no intention to single out any particular leader, while Dr Asumi assured that all matters pertaining to land compensation for KPA had been conclusively settled long ago, it said.

Landowners involved in the matter confirmed that all compensation issues had been fully addressed and conveyed their unwavering support for the institution’s progress, it added.

Thereafter, Yeptho urged all stakeholders to remain united and place their trust in the government’s commitment to resolving the issue while assuring to personally take up the matter with the relevant authorities, the release maintained.

In light of the March 17 meeting, the Deputy Speaker also appealed to SKK to call off the ongoing agitation, it informed.

The meeting concluded on an optimistic and collaborative note, with all stakeholders reaffirming their commitment to working together for the betterment of KPA, it added.